About Backcountry

Backcountry is an online specialty retailer of premium outdoor gear and apparel. Founded in 1996 in Park City, Utah, it has grown into a key player in the outdoor retail space, competing with major brands like REI.

They cater to serious outdoor enthusiasts with a wide selection of high-quality products from top brands for activities like hiking, camping, skiing, snowboarding, climbing, and biking. The brand is known for its “Gearheads”—in-house experts who provide product advice.

Disclaimer
Affiliate program terms can change frequently. The figures below are based on general information and may vary based on specific campaigns or affiliate tiers.

Backcountry Affiliate Program Overview

The Backcountry affiliate program pays publishers a commission for sales driven through their unique affiliate links. Affiliates benefit from promoting high-end, high-ticket items, which results in a higher earning per sale compared to general retailers.

FactorDetail
IndustryOutdoor Gear & Retail
Product TypeApparel, Footwear, and Equipment for Hiking, Camping, Skiing, Climbing, etc.
Affiliate Program TypeCost Per Sale (CPS)

Backcountry Affiliate Program Offers

The program provides affiliates with the necessary tools and favorable tracking duration to convert their audience.

FactorDetail
Promotional MaterialsOfficial banners, text links, product data feed, and monthly newsletters with tips and promotions.
Affiliate Cookie Duration30 Days (Allows a long research period common for high-value outdoor gear)
Accepted Traffic SourceWebsites, blogs, social media, email newsletters (must align with outdoor, adventure, or lifestyle niches).
Accepted CountriesUnited States and Worldwide (Backcountry ships to 49 countries).
Explicit ContentNot accepted (Standard policy for major affiliate networks/retailers).
Religious or Political ContentNot accepted (Standard policy for major affiliate networks/retailers).

Backcountry Affiliate Commissions & Payments

The program offers a competitive commission structure within the outdoor niche, especially when considering the brand’s high average order value.

FactorDetail
MLM (Multi-Level Marketing)No, this is a standard affiliate marketing program.
Commission Rate4% – 12% (Sliding scale, often averaging 8%)
Commission StructurePercentage of Sale (CPS)
Payout FrequencyMonthly (Varies slightly based on the affiliate network—Impact Radius or AvantLink).
Payout MethodsPayPal, Direct Deposit (ACH), Check, or Wire Transfer (Varies by network).
Minimum PayoutNone (Zero minimum payout balance is required).

Suitable Affiliates for Backcountry Affiliate

This program is highly suitable for content creators whose audience trusts their gear recommendations and is prepared to invest in premium equipment.

RoleSuitability for Backcountry
BloggersHigh. Ideal for writing detailed gear reviews, comparison articles, and comprehensive trail/activity guides.
TikTokers/InfluencersHigh. Excellent for creating short-form content featuring high-end gear in action, “What’s in my pack,” and outdoor challenges.
KOC/KOLHigh. Content creators who have established trust and authority within the niche, especially those reviewing premium equipment.
YouTubers/LivestreamersHigh. Perfect for creating video gear reviews, trip vlogs, setup guides (e.g., camping kitchen setup), and seasonal buying guides.
Video EditorsIndirect. They create the content, but the success lies with the channel/creator promoting the products.

Backcountry Affiliate Software

Backcountry does not use proprietary in-house affiliate management software exclusively. Instead, they manage their affiliate program through established, third-party affiliate networks:

  • Impact Radius
  • AvantLink

Affiliates choose which network to join, and the networks provide the tracking, reporting, and payment management. AvantLink is often preferred by those focused primarily on the outdoor industry.

3 Alternatives for Backcountry Affiliate Program

Here is a comparison of the Backcountry program with three popular alternatives in the outdoor retail space: REI Co-opPatagonia, and Osprey.

Comparison FactorBackcountryREI Co-opPatagoniaOsprey
Average Order ValueHigh (Sells high-end/premium gear)Medium-High (Wide range of products)High (Sells premium, ethically-sourced apparel)Medium-High (Focus on high-quality packs)
Entry FeesNoneNoneNoneNone
Withdrawal ThresholdNoneVaries by network (often $10-50)Varies by network (often $10-50)Varies by network (often $10-50)
Payment FrequencyMonthlyMonthlyMonthlyMonthly
Commission4%-12% (Avg. 8%)5%Varies (Approx. 8%)Up to 10%
ConversionHigh (Targeting serious buyers)High (Brand loyalty/membership)High (Strong brand values/sustainability)High (Specialized high-trust product)
Cookie Duration30 Days15 Days30 Days (Often 90 Days with AvantLink)30 Days
Marketing MaterialsBanners, Data Feed, NewslettersBanners, Text LinksBanners, Text LinksBanners, Text Links